Identity area
Type of entity
Authorized form of name
Parallel form(s) of name
Standardized form(s) of name according to other rules
Other form(s) of name
Identifiers for corporate bodies
Description area
Dates of existence
History
Founded by Alfred C Hobbs, an American lock dealer in 1852 to manufacture locks based on his patents. By 1855 factory at 33 Lawrence Lane, City of London with showrooms at 97 Cheapside. In 1860 John Matthias Hart took over management of the firm upon Hobbs' death. Hart opened new works at Arlington Street, Islington (Wharncliffe Works) to manufacture safe and strong-room doors. The company held royal warrant from 1861 and supplied safes to Bank of England. The firm was incorporated 8 July 1887, the year Hart died. The range of products increased together with development of overseas exports. Charles Lee was General Manager in the 1890s and 1900s. In 1936 new works and offices were opened in Staffa Road, Leyton.
The company was acquired by Chubb and Son Lock and Safe Company Limited in 1956. The Hobbs Hart Departments later moved to 231-237 Cambridge Heath Road and operations continued until 1983 as one of the two safe manufacturing centres of Chubb Group.
Name changes:
Hobbs and Company, in 1852;
Hobbs, Ashley and Company, in 1855;
Hobbs Ashley and Fortescue, to 1860;
Hobbs Hart and Company, 1860-1887;
Hobbs Hart and Company Limited, 1887-1974.